Robin van Persie believes he can build on the goal he scored against Hull on Saturday in Manchester United's comfortable 3-0 home win.

After his blistering first-season form at Old Trafford and mixed fortunes last year, most thought that the Dutch striker would flourish under the guidance of his compatriot Louis van Gaal.

Instead, he had managed just three goals in 11 appearances before the weekend and was coming off the back of arguably his worst display of the season, against former club Arsenal.

Van Persie has struggled to find any sort of rhythm so far this campaign and was told in no uncertain terms by his manager before the game that he would risk losing his place to Radamel Falcao or James Wilson if he didn't improve.

But the 31-year-old has responded to Van Gaal's criticisms in emphatic fashion, laying on an assist for Wayne Rooney before finding the back of the net himself in what was the most assured performance so far by this United team.

Speaking after the game, he said: "If you score a goal like that it gives you confidence and the team, and if I am really honest I needed that.

"You just have to keep working and those goals, or any goals, will come."

Three points against Steve Bruce's side sees Manchester United maintain fourth, despite wins for West Ham and Arsenal.